Wednesday we reported Nigel Farage is back as UKIP party leader after new leader Diane James jumped ship before her leadership had even been formalised. Farage said he had returned temporarily while the party elected a new leader but Thursday that election is on hold as one of the frontrunners to take over, Steven Woolfe, is seriously ill in hospital after collapsing during an "altercation" at a meeting of the party's MEPs in Strasbourg.

Currently there is a great deal of speculation about the circumstances surrounding Mr Woolfe's collapse and subsequent hospitalisation.

BBC News channel has shared "Brussels correspondent Damian Grammaticus says he hears that Steven Woolfe collapsed this morning inside the European Parliament complex although not in the chamber and he was subsequently taken to hospital in Strasbourg. He also tells the BBC News channel that he hears exchanges inside the party were "heated"."

Was there a fight? There are some reports that Mr Woolfe was punched but nothing initially confirmed.The lastest news via the Telegraph is " Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe in 'serious condition' after 'being punched by colleague."

​That report continues:

According to Sky News, Steven Woolfe was punched once by a colleague before he staggered back and hit his head on metal bar. The two colleagues were both seemingly alright after the fight and went to vote. ​After voting and collapsing on a bridge he reportedly told the person who rushed over to assist him that he had "lost the feeling down one side of his body".

One of UKIPs main funders, Aaron Banks, spoke on TV news channels Wednesday and his words highlighted the party has deep divisions

Former Tories Douglas Carswell and Neil Hamilton may have won votes in elections but they are not hugely popular in the party. Nigel Farage is a mixed bag depending who in UKIP is assessing his political career.

Steven Woolfe was excluded from the previous leadership election when the necessary documentation was received late. He blamed problems with the UKIP website for the delay but it prevented him standing.

For many in UKIP he is the natural choice of party leader.

We will update this story as more information is received and for now simply wish Mr Woolfe well and a speedy recovery.

​There have been reports his injuries are life-threatening but the diagnosis and prognosis has improved.

When we act in anger we sould never forget that our actions could be life-threatening to another person.

​Mr Woolfe was born October 6, 1967, meaning Thursday is his 49th birthday

UKIP TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

Neil Hamilton did not appear on TV lunchtime news but he was in contact.

He highlighted a party with deep divisions, in-fighting and abuse.

Of course mainstream media has been too pre-occupied reporting on alleged and sometimes imaginary abuse in the Labour Party to notice.

Hamilton did not pull his punches when referring to party donor Aaron Banks or Mr Farage. Both men have links to the Tory Party.

Hamilton 'played to the gallery' describing Labour under Corbyn as some sort of Trotskyist haven.

The latest on the fight is it was just that. Mr Woolfe and an unnamed MEP took off their jackets and went outside for a scrap. It was reportedly following reports that Woolfe was looking at joining the Tory Party following Theresa May's conference week. However when he learned Ms James had quit as UKIP leader he apparently had a quick change of heart. That led toaccusations that he is simply just another self-indulget and self-centered politician. With his honour in question Woolfe reportedly called the other man out and boom.

The fight ended, the men put their jackets back on, but then a little later Mr Woolfe collapsed.

One thing Neil Hamilton said which was true was such a fight does not make UKIP look good but me I wonder what does.

Social media rumour machine says he was fighting with Mike Hookem an MEP. If he was that man has a terribly ironic name!

Reply

Eileen

6/10/2016 05:06:06 pm

This now from our local press and looks like it was Hookem http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/ukip-s-mike-hookem-from-hull-punched-steven-woolfe-who-has-life-threatening-injuries/story-29784563-detail/story.html#OOAJCSFh1cmAjrdm.99

Reply

roger charlesworth

7/10/2016 03:53:41 am

I reckon he had a stroke after banging his head

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British political scene

The next General Election in the UK may not be scheduled any time soon but the British political landscape is changing. With that in mind this blog will concentrate on the political scene but with a left wing perspective. Opinion pieces and news will bring you the stories that the MSM prefer to ignore.

The writer, Eileen Kersey, is a lifelong Labour Party supporter and voter but fairly recent party member.

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